The theatre was recognised at the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) for its production of Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer. The play, about hard-drinking Irishmen celebrating Christmas, was the only production to win two awards at the ceremony at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre scored a coup for its venture into seasonal musicals - it was given the award for best sound and music for its hit production of the Berlin classic, White Christmas.

Other winners included Aberfeldy-raised actor Alan Cumming for ‘Best Male Performance’ in Macbeth for National Theatre of Scotland.

The Incredible Adventures of See Thru Sam, which comes to Perth Theatre in the autumn, scooped the best technical presentation award.

Now in its 11th year, the CATS celebrate actors, directors, playwrights and other artists.

Horsecross Arts creative director Rachel O’Riordan was named best director for the co-production between Perth Theatre and the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, with the five-man cast of The Seafarer picking up the ‘Best Ensemble’ award.

Horsecross chief Jacqueline McKay told the PA yesterday: “Winning not one but two CATS Awards is a tremendous vote of confidence in Perth Theatre.

“I am very proud of what Rachel and the team have achieved over the past two years, energising the stage at Perth Theatre, making huge inroads in connecting with audiences and ensuring that Perth Theatre productions rank with the best in Scotland.”

Commenting on Rachel O’Riordan’s best director award, Ms McKay added: “This cements her position as one of the finest and most visionary directors in the country.”

The CATS judges said of O’Riordan’s production of Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer: “O’Riordan bypassed any temptation to keep things merely ordinary, opting instead for a fearless approach which allowed her all-male cast to soar in what was clearly a labour of love.”

The five The Seafarer actors picked up the Best Ensemble Award for performances “that fitted together in a way that really sustained the audience’s belief in the weird, off-kilter world of that play”.

Pitlochry theatre’s award for best music and sound was presented to Hilary Brooks, the musical director and arranger for the production, who said yesterday: “Thanks to Irving Berlin’s great music, the band, cast, creative team, sound designer Paul Hoolahan, crew and stage management and all at PFT, White Christmas was a superb team effort.

“Hats off to John Durnin for taking a huge risk in these austere times.”

John Durnin, PFT’s chief executive and artistic director declared: “Developing high quality music theatre productions within PFT’s unique repertoire system has been our major artistic priority in recent years.

“Despite the additional risks attached, a festive winter musical was the natural extension of this ambition and White Christmas was our very first venture into this new territory - so it’s thrilling to see this ambition being recognized and applauded by Scotland’s critics.

“Hilary’s fabulous arrangement of Irving Berlin’s sublime score and her magnificent musical leadership of the 20-strong cast and the band of 10 helped to ensure that the show was an immense popular and critical success.”